Diversity and the idea that America was a nation built by immigrants were the focus as 89 people from 36 different countries officially became naturalized U.S. citizens at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City on Monday.
“Immigrants and refugees enrich our culture and bolster our economies through their hard work and contributions,” said Darren Nelson, of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Utah’s newest citizens hail from an array of countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Mexico and Tonga. Nelson outlined the rights now afforded to them, such as the ability to hold elected office (with the exception of the presidency), obtain a U.S. passport, and become eligible for federal grants and scholarships. He encouraged them to embrace their new identity with pride, saying, “Each of you, from today onward, can absolutely say that you are from America. And don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
“Our national motto in the United States is ‘e pluribus unum,’” he said. “It means ‘out of many, one.’ And on days like today, we really get to see that. The many, coming together from the far corners of the globe, under one flag.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson welcomed the new citizens, emphasizing the county’s legacy of embracing new arrivals. “Salt Lake County has a proud history of welcoming refugees,” Wilson stated. She noted that over 160,000 foreign-born residents now live in the county, with more than 60,000 refugees having arrived since 1980, all of whom “enrich our community’s political, social, and economic fabric.”
Following the mayor, Salt Lake County Treasurer Sheila Srivastava spoke about the significance of the day. “Today is not only a celebration of your achievement but a reminder of the enduring promise of the United States,” she said. “That citizenship is not determined by birth alone, but by a commitment and by hope and by joy.”
The ceremony was facilitated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in partnership with the county mayor’s office.
The event was a key part of Welcoming Week 2025 in Salt Lake County. Several speakers, including newly naturalized citizens and elected officials, shared their personal stories of coming to America.
Ivoni M. Nash, the program director of the National Tongan American Society, led the audience in a traditional Tongan “Siu!” cheer, expressing the significance of the day. She spoke of her own difficult journey to become an American citizen and noted that her office, in collaboration with the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office, works to make the process easier for others.
“I was an immigrant, and I never thought that one day, I’ll be up here wearing my cultural outfit, speaking to people who become American citizens,” Nash said.
Salt Lake County Councilman Carlos A. Moreno spoke about his personal story as an immigrant from Venezuela. He spoke about the pain of having to flee his country after his activism led to him being charged with treason; he urged the new citizens to vote and participate in their communities.
“America is not a dream, no, no ... America is a cure,” Moreno said.
The ceremony included a proclamation reading by Magna Mayor Eric G. Barney, who said it was his first time attending a naturalization ceremony.
“It was just this beautiful moment to be here today and to see all of these individuals from all of the countries that they represented, coming here with one ideal and one goal and one desire, and that’s to become a U.S. citizen,” Barney said.
“I loved what was said about the nation’s motto being ‘e pluribus unum,’ because I think we need that more now than ever. There’s so much of they and them and these people against these people, but the reality is, we’re all just one big us,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a large group photo, a symbol of unity and a new chapter for all who call Utah home.